VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 7/10/15)—Dr. Andrew “Andy” Davison died on Sunday, July 5, in Madison, Wisconsin. Andrew and Beverly Davison were named as the 2013 recipients of the Cora and John Sparrowk President’s Award, presented to them on behalf of the Board of General Ministries at Mission Summit 2013, held June 21-23, 2013, in Overland Park, Kansas.
He is survived by his wife Beverly. Through their years of marriage, both Andy and Beverly served American Baptist Churches “together in ministry” in various ways, including serving churches in Albany, NY, Buffalo, NY, Providence, RI, and Madison, WI. They returned to the Madison, Wisconsin, area in 1998.
“Andy combined the twin elements of an astute Architect and Shepard in the role of Pastor. He served his God extremely well and was an example to many in ministry and in the pews. His reach of influence was illuminated by his spirit of calling and his wisdom of God’s claim and purpose,” said Rev. Dr. Carmen Porco, Director of Housing and Community Learning Centers and board secretary of Housing Ministries of American Baptists in Wisconsin. “Andy and Beverly were a strong and effective ministerial team, each adding their own strengths to the calling and ministry that they engaged and yet each strengthening the other throughout their journey. We have been blessed by such an example of Christlikeness in our midst.”
Davison was Pastor Emeritus of the First Baptist Church in Madison, where he served from 1963-1981. He also served in pastorates at Hope Baptist Church, Albany, NY (1949-1953), Lafayette Avenue Baptist Church, Buffalo, NY (1953-1958), and Central Baptist Church, Providence, RI (1958-1963).
He served on the staff of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in Rochester, NY, until his retirement in 1991. In the following years he served in interim pastor roles at Lake Avenue Baptist Church, Rochester, NY (1991-1992) and First Baptist Church, Rochester, NY, (1992-1993).
He served as president of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, now International Ministries (1972-1975), and as president of the Wisconsin Baptist State Convention (1968-1969).
He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate University, a Master of Divinity from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School and an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Keuka College.
“Dr. Davison, lovingly called Andy, was a wise, spirit-led, progressive thinker and leader. He saw a better world, I believe, seeing through God’s eyes. His service was faithful and true to the ABC and our heritage. He will be greatly missed by us all, and leaves an ABC legacy of faith,” said Rev. Dr. Trinette V. McCray.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with over 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.